Latest news with #HadiHussein
Shafaq News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Water shortage in Basra: Upstream violations end agriculture, endanger fish
Shafaq News – Basra Basra is facing a severe water crisis that threatens its food security and environmental stability, local officials warned. Citing a sharp decline in freshwater supplies from central Iraqi provinces and rising salinity levels in the Shatt al-Arab waterway, the agricultural authorities stated that unauthorized water use by neighboring provinces has worsened the situation, leading to the collapse of thousands of acres of farmland and a sharp decline in livestock and fish production. Official data indicates the province now receives only half its allocated water share, prompting urgent calls for federal intervention to ensure equitable distribution. 'As the last province on the river system, Basra simply doesn't receive the full amount,' Hadi Hussein, Director of Agriculture in Basra, stated to Shafaq News. Hussein pointed to clear violations from Wasit and Maysan provinces, and more extensive ones from Dhi Qar, particularly affecting the Bad'ah Canal, Basra's main source of drinking water. He noted that Maysan alone has 367 licensed fish ponds, ranging from 5 to 500 dunams (a local unit of area), while unlicensed ponds exceed 2,000 in number, some as large as 1,000 dunams. These operations consume vast amounts of water, contributing to shortages in Basra. The water allocation for Basra is officially set at 107 cubic meters per second, but actual flow at the Qal'at Saleh regulator falls below 57 cubic meters per second, over 50 cubic meters short. Hussein said most of that loss occurs in Maysan, leading to higher salinity and further degradation of water quality. Stressed that neighboring provinces directly impact Basra's water crisis, Hussein clarified that 'If we received our full share, the province would not be facing such shortages or the saltwater intrusion from the Shatt al-Arab.' In 2023, a government order mandated the removal of 64 unauthorized fish ponds in Basra's Qitayban and Musahib areas of al-Hartha district. Hussein confirmed the ponds were dismantled in coordination with local authorities and security forces, and that no illegal ponds currently remain, based on local agricultural department reports. However, 44 licensed fish ponds have ceased operations entirely due to saltwater encroachment, affecting both production volume and market prices. 'The administrative process for licensing fish ponds is simple,' Hussein explained, 'but current ministry guidelines prohibit issuing new permits,' which has led some individuals to build unlicensed ponds, placing additional stress on Basra's water share. The province's fish farming industry has suffered significantly from both reduced water flow and increased salinity. Hussein warned of further production declines and rising prices, noting that Basra was once a major fish producer in Iraq. In past years, Basra cultivated over 2,000 dunams of watermelon in the Luhais area, along with 1,700 dunams of cantaloupe, in addition to okra and other vegetables. These lands will lie fallow this summer as a result of the suspended plan.
Sharjah 24
02-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Al Muntada Al Islami highlights methods for teaching Quran to kids
Objectives of the seminar This seminar is one of a series of targeted initiatives aimed at reviving Islamic educational methods and expanding their reach to include diverse community groups, particularly the youth, as children represent the foundation of society and the future of the nation. Target audience The scientific sessions will focus on specialists in Sharia sciences, individuals interested in teaching the Quran, parents, and those concerned with childhood issues. The first day's sessions will revolve around two key themes related to the upbringing of Muslim children: Theme one: The importance of teaching the Quran and its impact on children Dr. Hadi Hussein, a professor at Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities, will lead the first session, discussing the immense educational and spiritual value that the Quran offers children during their formative years. He will emphasize the importance of teaching the Quran from a young age to strengthen Islamic identity and form a moral and behavioral shield that protects children from ideological and behavioral deviations in a time of increasing cultural challenges. Theme two: Teaching the Quran to children: A historical perspective In the second session, Dr. Saleh Mohammed Al-Luhaibi, an associate professor at the University of Sharjah, will explore the historical stages of Quran education for children. This discussion will cover the transition from traditional schools that relied on rote memorization and wooden boards to the adoption of modern technological tools such as electronic applications and interactive learning. The session will propose innovative methods to balance authenticity and modernity in educational approaches to ensure engagement and comprehension among children. Cultural Agenda of the Muntada Al Islami The Islamic Forum dedicates a cultural agenda to support Islamic culture and organize these specialized seminars, underscoring the importance of raising community awareness about instilling religious values through the Quran and teaching the purified Sunnah. Role of Al Muntada Al Islami The Islamic Forum in Sharjah is a pioneering institution that has consistently organized lectures, courses, and seminars to enhance the status of the Quran in the lives of individuals and contribute to building a conscious and cohesive community, rooted in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet, peace be upon him. Duration of the seminar The seminar will continue over the course of Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, featuring sessions that address modern methods and educational approaches in teaching the Quran, with participation from a select group of researchers and specialists.
